Multigrain bread facts for kids
Multigrain bread is a type of bread that is made using two or more different kinds of grains. Think of it like a mix of different healthy ingredients! Common grains used in this bread include barley, flax, millet, oats, and wheat. Sometimes, you'll also find seeds like flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds added for extra flavor and crunch.
Some types of multigrain bread are made with rye or use a special sourdough starter. You might see breads called "7-grain" or "9-grain," which tells you how many different grains are in them. While some multigrain breads use whole, unprocessed grains, not all breads labeled "multigrain" in stores are made with 100% whole grains.
Why Multigrain Bread is Good for You
Multigrain breads, especially those made with whole grains, are packed with good stuff for your body. They have much more fiber than regular white bread. Fiber helps your digestive system work well and keeps you feeling full.
These breads also often contain more vitamins and protein compared to white bread. Vitamins help your body grow and stay healthy, and protein is important for building muscles. Multigrain breads also give you complex carbohydrates. These are a great source of energy that your body uses slowly, keeping you energized for longer.
Multigrain Bread in Stores
Multigrain bread is very popular and is made in large amounts for stores. Many companies make their own versions. Some commercial multigrain breads are made with 100% whole grain flour, which is the healthiest option. In the United States, multigrain bread was one of the fastest-growing types of bread sold in stores between 1989 and 1994.
Multigrain Bread and Ancient History
Did you know that multigrain bread has a connection to ancient history? There's a 4,000-year-old recipe from Mesopotamia (an ancient region in the Middle East) that describes how to make beer from multigrain loaves of bread mixed with honey! It's the oldest beer recipe ever found.
Today, a company called the Brussels Beer Project in Belgium has even used this ancient recipe. They created an amber beer called Babylone. They make it by using leftover, unsold fresh bread donated by supermarkets, helping to reduce food waste!
